Can You Turn a Plastic Lined Pool Into a Saltwater Pool?

Corrosion

• Any materials that are susceptible to corrosion, including aluminum and other metals, are not ideal in a saltwater pool. Salt makes materials corrode much quicker than chlorine alone, although chlorine has destructive effects as well. If your pool is lined with polymer plastic or vinyl and covers pool walls made of plastic, it will likely last longer than if the pool walls are made of metal. Homeowners with salt pools tend to see their metal equipment, such as ladders and pumps, deteriorate quickly. Older pool heaters are also sensitive to salt application and may not be compatible with a saltwater system.

Protecting Your Liner

• While a plastic or vinyl liner is your best bet for a saltwater system, there are a few steps you can take to make sure the liner lasts longer. Keep your salt application at a recommended dose and avoid adding too much to prevent corrosive effects. Cover and protect your liner during the day to prevent fading from UV light. High levels of chlorine can also fade liners, but chlorine from a saltwater system will not fade a liner faster than a traditional system.

How it Works

• In saltwater systems, it is not the salt that is disinfecting your pool, but the chlorine derived from the salt. Otherwise known as sodium chloride, salt contains chloride, which the system converts to chlorine through electrolysis. This prevents the need for the homeowner to add large amounts of chlorine. Saltwater systems have the same effect as chlorine systems, killing bacteria and pathogens, but without some of the adverse effects. The salt is used over and over again to create the effect, making these systems somewhat easier to maintain.

Benefits

• Saltwater pools lack chloramines, the irritants associated with chlorinated pools that can burn the eyes and irritate the skin. Despite the high levels of salts, the salinity of the pools is less than that of tears and does not hurt swimmers' eyes. Saltwater pools use an electrolysis generator and do not require continuous amounts of chlorine be added. With these systems, the water tends to feel smoother and does not dry the skin like chlorine systems can.